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The Black Country was a landscape of intense mining of rich mineral seams below its surface that eventually were exhausted. They were a 'finite' resource and unsustainable beyond the four centuries at the focus of the Industrial Revolution.

The 'seam of heritage' however does not become exhausted with time and wise use. It becomes better with time and development. Its wise use requires a balance that is encapsulated within the wider field of 'sustainable development' as a whole.

Sustainable Development has been defined by the United Nations as sustainable development as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.

It is a complex issue, and one that has different needs in different parts of the world. Here in the Black Country this is being defined by the Black Country Plan - a 30 year vision for the development of the Black Country (formerly known as the Black Country Core Strategy).

Sustainable Tourism and sustainable transport solutions are key features within the future well being of the Black Country as a happier, healthier place with greater opportunities for generations to come.

If you are interested in becoming a partner involved in developing our sustainable geotourism we would love to hear from you. Contact us via email blackcountrygeopark@dudley.gov.uk